Weight dispersing wearable containment appliance

ABSTRACT

A wearable luggage appliance for carrying goods of the wearer distributes the weight of the carried goods across the front and back of the wearer for mitigating a gravitational load conventionally borne by shoulder straps on the shoulders of a wearer. The luggage appliance includes integrated front and back portions connected by continuous side panels that distribute downward forces exerted on cargo or items disposed in compartments on the back portions onto the front portion. Heavy loads on a conventional back-disposed carrying appliance (i.e. backpack) typically concentrate loads on shoulder straps that tend to apply downward and backward forces on the shoulders and upper body of the wearer. The wearable luggage appliance redistributes these rear loads across the front (chest and torso) of the wearer by an integrated vest construction having continuous seams across the shoulders and sides for evenly distributing the downward and backward forces, reducing wearer fatigue.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure concerns the technical field of garments and worn apparel. More particularly, the present configuration is in the technical field of garment/fabric/synthetic material that can be worn and serve as a carrying backpack.

A backpack (also called rucksack, knapsack, packsack, or pack) is, in its simplest form, a cloth sack carried on one's back and secured with two straps that go over the shoulders, but there can be exceptions. Lightweight types of backpacks are sometimes worn on only one shoulder strap. The present invention is an exception that can be worn like a vest with or without sleeves.

SUMMARY

A wearable luggage appliance for carrying goods of the wearer distributes the weight of the carried goods across the front and back of the wearer for mitigating a gravitational load conventionally borne by shoulder straps on the shoulders of a wearer. The luggage appliance includes integrated front and back portions connected by continuous side panels that distribute downward forces exerted on cargo or items disposed in compartments on the back portions onto the front portion. Heavy loads on a conventional back-disposed carrying appliance (i.e. backpack) typically concentrated loads on shoulder straps that tend to apply downward and backward forces on the shoulders and upper body of the wearer. The wearable luggage appliance redistributes these rear loads across the front (chest and torso) of the wearer by an integrated vest construction having continuous seams across the shoulders and sides (around armholes) for evenly distributing the downward and backward forces, reducing wearer fatigue and pressure concentrated on the shoulders.

Configuration herein are based, in part, on the observation that conventional wearable luggage appliances employ shoulder straps for supporting the weight of a carried load. The shoulder straps distribute the load substantially on the shoulder of the wearer. Accordingly, conventional approaches suffer from the shortcoming that the wearer's back and relevant skeletal and muscular structures bear much or all of the weight from conventional worn luggage appliances (e.g. backpacks). Conventional approaches may employ a strap or tether on a lower portion, but such a tether serves merely to keep the load in place, and is not structural or load bearing. For example, backpack straps keep the load close to the wearers back, but do not distribute the load to a front panel that bears the weight across the front torso (chest and abdomen) of the wearer. Even if drawn tightly, such straps merely increase tension on the lower abdomen, and do not assist in load bearing capacity because they do not distribute the load tension across a larger portion of the torso. Similarly, so-called “fanny” packs focus tension on a lower portion of the abdomen, and do not direct the load toward the upper front torso.

Accordingly, configurations herein substantially overcome the above described shortcomings of conventional wearable luggage appliances by distributing tension forces resulting from a load on the rear upper torso (back) across the front torso of the wearer, thus relieving the downward force on the shoulders and back caused with conventional backpacks. A weight dispersion panel, that may be selectively zippered or otherwise closeable, integrates tension from a load carried on the rear torso and/or shoulders to the front torso of the wearer such that carried loads are more evenly distributed, therefore reducing musculoskeletal strain and associated discomfort.

The present appliance may be defined as a device that serves both as a backpack and a vest for users to use for carrying load with ease and using the front pockets on the vest for other carrying purposes. Backpacks are often preferred to handbags for carrying heavy loads or carrying any sort of equipment, because of the limited capacity to carry heavy weights for long periods of time in the hands. Large backpacks, used to carry loads over 10 kg (22 lbs), usually offload the largest part (up to about 90%) of their weight onto padded hip belts, leaving the shoulder straps mainly for stabilizing the load. This improves the potential to carry heavy loads, as the hips are stronger than the shoulders, and also increases agility and balance, since the load rides nearer the wearer's own center of mass. However, such a construction tends to focus substantial tension on the lower abdomen or beltline where the hip belts engage.

In further detail, in a particular configuration as discussed further below, the disclosed approach teaches a wearable containment appliance including a front portion and a back portion, in which the front and back portions are integrated for encircling a torso of the wearer, and at least one containment receptacle on the back portion for containing weighted items. The containment receptacle (containment) is typically at least one textile pouch or pocket for containing articles. The containment attaches by textile straps or panels to at least one weight dispersion panel on the front portion for spreading forces exerted by the back portion across the front portion, in which the front portion engages the front torso of the wearer. In this manner, the weight dispersion panel combines and integrates tension resulting from the weight of the containment and disperses or spreads the weight (force) across a larger area on the front torso.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a commonly used vest (front and back) and a backpack.

FIG. 2 is an exterior view of the three sections of a vest, the middle section of the vest includes the drawing of a backpack as a genesis of the invention. This is a combination of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the exterior of the back view of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a back view of the present invention with a hood version;

FIG. 5 is a back view of an unfurled garment according to a further configuration;

FIG. 6 is an inside front view of the garment of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a side profile view of the garment of FIGS. 5 and 6 around a wearer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A weight dispersing wearable containment appliance, in a particular configuration, takes the form of a supportive vest integrated with a back worn storage appliance having the appearance of a backpack which may be employed with or without sleeves and may be worn like any typical, ordinary or specialized device of any style for the optional purpose of a carrying load and maybe worn as a fashion in any setting. Such an appliance, or device, takes the appearance of a backpack, for purposes such as hiking and camping, and may also be employed for everyday use such as by students for carrying books and the like. In contrast to conventional hiking equipment, a rigid, bulky frame is not required, further facilitating usage as an everyday carrying appliance such as a briefcase, purse or duffel bag. The various configurations may also be provided with a plurality of different color variations.

Conventional backpacks are typically either large or exceedingly difficult to maneuver from the back. It is difficult to move these devices into a house or office because they are large and heavy. Moving such devices typically requires several strong persons, or a sturdy wheeled vehicle such as a reinforced wagon or hand cart. The difficulties of bringing such a device into a house or office are multiplied when stairs must be climbed. Further, it is not an uncommon experience to realize that the device cannot pass through the doorway without widening. Further, the devices cannot readily be moved from spot to spot once inside a room,

A vest is a garment covering the upper body. The term has different global meanings, for example a waistcoat has a full vertical opening in the front which fastens with buttons or snaps. Both single-breasted and double-breasted waistcoats exist, regardless of the formality of dress, but single-breasted ones are more common. In a three piece suit, the cloth used matches the jacket and trousers.

Such a vest may commonly be defined as a sleeveless under-jacket. This is called a waistcoat in the UK and many Commonwealth countries, or a vest in the U.S. and Canada. It is often worn as part of formal attire, or as the third piece of a lounge suit. Other sleeveless jackets also exist in different forms. The term “vest” may refer to other outer garments, such as a sports tank top, or a padded sleeveless jacket popular for hunting, commonly known as a hunting vest. Another common variant is the fishing vest which carries a profusion of external pockets for carrying fishing tackle. The term jerkin is also used to refer to this sort of sleeveless outdoor coat. A sweater vest is an American and Canadian English term. Such a garment may also be called a slipover, sleeveless sweater, or tank top (which may also refer to a type of sleeveless shirt). Banyan is an Indian garment and it is commonly called a vest in Indian English. All these variations can be made with the same style of combination of vest and backpack.

The advantages of the present approach include, without limitation, that the wearable appliance is easy to distribute a load on the back, hip and shoulder without excessive or disproportionate pressure exertion on one region of the upper body. It is easy to remove and consolidated when passing through security check points. Configurations disclosed herein generally will hang on a hook or clothes hanger when stored in a closet or locker through most doorways without any widening. Further, the various configurations may easily be unzipped unbuttoned at any time. In a broad embodiment, the present configuration includes a vest-like backpack apparatus which may be sleeved or sleeveless.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, in a particular configuration, the disclosed wearable containment appliance includes a front portion and a back portion, such that the front and back portions are integrated for encircling a torso of the wearer and at least one containment receptacle on the back portion for containing weighted items. The apparatus further includes at least one weight dispersion panel on the front portion for spreading forces exerted by the back portion across the front portion. In further detail, the front portion may define a vest attached to the back portion along a continuous side panel, and the back portion defines a backpack having a plurality of pockets or similar storage receptacles. The weight dispersing portion is adapted to carry downward force exerted on the wearer from the containment receptacle, therefore avoiding a concentrated and rearward force exerted on the wearer from the back portion by the tension carried to the weight dispersing panel.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a commonly used prior art vest (front and back) and a conventional backpack. Referring to FIG. 1, a vest 1000 closes along a front seam 1001 to form a continuous garment. A backpack 1010 employs shoulder straps 1011 for bearing the load of a payload contained within.

FIG. 2 is an exterior view of the three sections of the wearable containment appliance disclosed herein. Referring to FIG. 2, a back portion 100 is a textile or other suitable flexible material for engaging the rear torso of a wearer. A containment 102, which may include multiple pockets or compartments 104 is attached to the back portion and may be continuous such that the back portion 100 is one of several sides of each of the pockets 104. The containment compartments 104 on the back portion are adapted for containing weighted items. A plurality of side portions 110, 112 attach to the back portion at side seams 114, 116, and are adapted to completely encircle the torso of the wearer at front seams 120, thereby forming a front portion. Upon closure of the front portion, the front and back portions 100 become integrated for encircling a torso of the wearer. The side seams 114, 116 are configured to transfer tension from the back portion 100 to the side portions 110, 112 and, in turn, to the front seam 120. Selective closures engage to secure the front seam, discussed further below. Similarly, shoulder straps 130 interconnect the front and back portion 100 for bearing a downward force (continuity shown by dotted lines 132). Closure of the front seam 120 defines a weight dispersion panel on the front portion for spreading forces exerted by the back portion across the front portion.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the exterior of the back view of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the back 100 includes pockets 104 in various configurations. The back portion 100 of the containment 102 may defines a backpack having a plurality of pockets 104.

FIG. 4 is a back view of the present invention with a hood version being worn by a wearer 140. Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the back portion 100 and side portions 110, 112 encircle the wearer 140 at the torso and chest. Particular configurations may also include a hood 136.

FIG. 5 is a back view of an unfurled garment according to a further configuration. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the back portion 100 integrates with a left side portion 110 and a right side portion 112 via seams 150, which may be stitched, molded, fused, glued or attached by other suitable means. The side panels 110, 112 are engageable by attachments 152-1, 152-2 (152 generally), which define a suitable fastening mechanism extending from the side portions 110, 112, as a wrap around panel 110-1, 112-1 to define the weight dispersion panel 154, defined by integrated portions 154-1, 154-2. The attachments 152 extend from the side panels via straps 156 for securement at the front torso.

The backpack includes at least one pocket 104, defined by a main zipper compartment, and a small miscellaneous pocket 104′, as well as others, may be included. Hand pockets 148 and front slip pockets 149 complement a plurality of pockets 104. A zipper compartment expander 105, as is common with soft-sided luggage appliances, may also be employed. Armholes 158 are reinforced to further “snug” the tension of the weight dispersion panel 154.

FIG. 6 is an inside front view of the garment of FIG. 5. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a zipper 170-1, 170-2 (170 generally), affixes both front panels 110, 112 in addition to the attachments 152, for providing a continuous seam along the integrated portions 154-1, 154-2 defining the weight dispersion panel 154. Closure of the integrated portions facilitates tension distribution along the full torso from abdomen to chest of the wearer 140.

A plurality of back supports 160, such as resilient cushioning (foam, polyester, or other) enhances comfort and support for maintaining tension along the weight dispersion panel 154. Interior zipper pockets 162 may also be provided.

FIG. 7 is a side profile view of the garment of FIGS. 5 and 6 around a wearer the wearer 140. The zipper 170 is operable by a handle 170′, and may extend to the neckline of the wearer 140 for maximizing the area of the weight dispersion panel 154. By joining the side panels 110, 112 to integrate the integrated portions 154-1, 154-2 along the front seams 120 from the attachments 152 and extending to an upper travel range of the zipper 170, the range 154′ of the weight dispersion panel 154 is effectively maximized to the torso length of the wearer 140. Other inclusions are an extension zipper 180 and miscellaneous pouch 182 to the main zipper pocket 104 and other pockets.

Therefore, the weight dispersion panel 154 occupies a front portion defining a vest attached to the back portion along a continuous side panel 110, 112. The weight dispersion panel 154 is adapted to carry downward force exerted on the wearer 140 from the containment receptacle 104. The integration of the front and back 100 portions therefore avoids a concentrated and rearward force exerted on the wearer 140 from the back portion 100 by the tension carried to the weight dispersion panel 154. The weight dispersion panel 154 therefore includes a plurality of selectively engageable panels, 154-1, 154-2 although additional or unitary panels could be employed, such that the selectively engageable panels 154-1, 154-2 maintain tension with the back portion 100 when engaged via the attachment 152 and the zipper (or other) closure 170. The weight dispersion panel 154 is adapted to effectively distribute weight across the front torso (chest and abdomen) of the wearer 140, and the weight dispersion panel 154 avoids concentration of the transferred force at the lower torso and beltline of the wearer 140.

While the straps 156 facilitate integration of the front and back portion 100 by maintaining tension between the front and back portions 100, the weight is distributed across the torso by the weight distribution panel 154 in the front and the wrap around panels 110-1, 112-1. In contrast to conventional approaches, such as fanny packs and beltline straps, the weight dispersion panel 154 distributes tension across the full area of the front torso engaged by the range 154′ of the weight dispersing panel, while the conventional approaches simply increase compression on the abdomen of the wearer without providing any “lift.” Conventional backpack straps keep the load close to the wearers back, but do not distribute the load to a front panel that bears the weight across the front torso (chest and abdomen) of the wearer.

The wrap around panels 110-1, 112-1 may comprise a continuous flexible panel between the front and back portions 100 for integrating the front and back portion 100, such that the straps maintain tension between the front and back portions along a continuous seam 150. The seam 150 maintains tension along the side panel 110, 112, rather than just at the location of the straps 156. The engagement of the weight distribution panel (front) employs a combination of the attachments 152 and the zipper 170, effectively providing a selective closure for engagement and disengagement of a plurality of panels 154 defining the front portion, such that the engaged panels 154-1, 154-2 define the weight dispersion panel 154 for accommodating the tension resulting from the spread forces. Alternate arrangements for the selective closure may include a unitary or combination of zipper, snaps, hook and loop, buttons, and latch.

The disclosed appliance distributes weight from the containment in such a manner that user fatigue and stress is mitigated. Accordingly, the appliance performs a method for dispersing weight across an upright torso of a carrier, or wearer 140, by disposing a load in a containment 102 on the torso, in which the containment 102 has an upper attachment such as shoulder straps 130 for supporting the containment 102 on the torso. The appliance transfers forces from the containment 104 to an opposed side of the torso (front of the wearer 140) by engaging the containment with a lower support defined by the weight dispersion panel 154, such that the lower support encircles the torso of the wearer 140. The lower support is adapted for tensioning to effectively transfer the load from the containment 104 to the opposed side, and is also adapted for tensioning the upper attachment (straps 30) by interconnecting the upper attachment to the lower support on the opposed side, as the zipper 170 is closed to define the weight dispersion panel 154 as covering the front of the wearer 140.

Interconnection of the straps 130 and weight distribution panels 154 is for linking tensioned loads exerted on the containment 102, such that the linking transfers the load to the opposed side, i.e. the front of the wearer 140. The disclosed arrangement disposes the containment 102 on a rear torso of a wearer 140, such that the opposed side is defined by a front torso of the wearer 140.

As indicated above, lower support further comprises a plurality of panels (weight distribution panel portions 154-1, 154-2), each adapted to engage the front torso, such that the panels 154-N are adapted for selective engagement via the zipper 170 for establishing the tension. Upon closure, the panels 154-1, 154-2 tension the wrap around panels 110-1, 112-1, forming a complete tensioned enclosure encircling the torso of the wearer 140.

Tensioning the lower support defined by the panels 154-1, 154-2 may further include selectively engaging closures such as the attachments 152 between the panels 154-1, 154-2 defining the lower support. As indicated above, such a selective closure may include a latch mechanism as shown, and at least one of zipper, snaps, hook and loop, or buttons. It should be noted that although both the attachments 152 of the straps, and the closure of the engageable panels 154-1, 154-2 contribute to a system of weight distribution, and that either could be employed alone for transferring and distributing loads as disclosed above. The engaged panels 154-1, 154-2 therefore define a weight dispersion panel adapted to distribute weight across the front torso (chest and abdomen) of the wearer 140, such that the weight dispersion panels 154 avoid concentration of the transferred force at the lower torso and beltline of the wearer 140.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. The disclosed apparatus has been particularly shown and described with references to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims. 

1. A wearable containment appliance comprising: a front portion and a back portion, the front and back portions integrated for encircling a torso of the wearer; at least one containment receptacle on the back portion for containing weighted items; and at least one weight dispersion panel on the front portion for spreading forces exerted by the back portion across the front portion.
 2. The appliance of claim 1 wherein the front portion defines a vest attached to the back portion along a continuous side panel.
 3. The appliance of claim 1 wherein the back portion defines a backpack having a plurality of pockets.
 4. The appliance of claim 1 wherein the weight dispersion panel is adapted to carry downward force exerted on the wearer from the containment receptacle.
 5. The appliance of claim 4 wherein the integration of the front and back portions avoids a concentrated and rearward force exerted on the wearer from the back portion by the tension carried to the weight dispersing panel.
 6. The appliance of claim 5 wherein the weight dispersion panel further comprises a plurality of selectively engageable panels, the selectively engageable panels maintaining tension with the back portion when engaged.
 7. The appliance of claim 4 wherein the weight dispersion panel is adapted to distribute weight across the front torso (chest and abdomen) of the wearer.
 8. The appliance of claim 7 wherein the weight dispersion panel avoids concentration of the transferred force at the lower torso and beltline of the wearer.
 9. The appliance of claim 6 further comprising straps for integrating the front and back portion, the straps maintaining tension between the front and back portions.
 10. The appliance of claim 6 further comprising a continuous flexible panel between the front and back portions for integrating the front and back portion, the straps maintaining tension between the front and back portions along a continuous seam.
 11. The appliance of claim 1 front portion further comprises a selective closure for engagement and disengagement of a plurality of panels defining the front portion, the engaged panels defining the weight dispersion portion for accommodating the tension resulting from the spread forces.
 12. The appliance of claim 11 wherein the selective closure comprises at least one of zipper, snaps, hook and loop, buttons, and latch.
 13. A method for dispersing weight across an upright torso of a carrier, comprising disposing a load in a containment on the torso, the containment having an upper attachment for supporting the containment on the torso; transferring forces from the containment to an opposed side of the torso by engaging the containment with a lower support, the lower support encircling the torso; tensioning the lower support for transferring the load from the containment to the opposed side; and tensioning the upper attachment by interconnecting the upper attachment to the lower support on the opposed side.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the interconnecting is for linking tensioned loads exerted on the containment, the linking transferring the load to the opposed side.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising disposing the containment on a rear torso of a wearer, the opposed side defined by a front torso of the wearer.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the lower support further comprises a plurality of panels adapted to engage the front torso, the panels adapted for selective engagement for establishing the tension.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein tensioning the lower support further comprising selectively engaging closures between panels defining the lower support.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the selective closure comprises at least one of zipper, snaps, hook and loop, buttons, and latch.
 19. The method of claim 15 wherein the engaged panels define a weight dispersion panel adapted to distribute weight across the front torso (chest and abdomen) of the wearer.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the weight dispersion panel avoids concentration of the transferred force at the lower torso and beltline of the wearer. 